Shenandoah, Preschool, Normal Life
Letter from Chris - September 5, 1999
We had a good summer but it just didn’t seem long enough. I was not ready for school to start again, however, it helps to know that this is my last year of school ever because from now on all my training and work will be clinical in nature. That makes me feel a lot better, but it was still hard to get into the study routine. My main classes before Christmas are Microbiology (study of microorganisms), Pathology (study of disease), Clinical Concepts (application of the book study to the clinic), Clinical Medicine (Physical Examinations), and Ethics. My classes are going to be very enjoyable this year because we are finally studying about how the body breaks and how to fix it. The classes are also going to be more difficult so I need to make the time I allot for studying each day as efficient as possible. Lisa and I are trying a new schedule this year. Lisa gets up with me in the morning to send me off to school after we have breakfast and read the scriptures together. It is the perfect start to every day being able to spend that time with my wife and with the word of the Lord. I usually leave around 6:20am and stay at school all day until 4:00pm. That gets me home around 4:30 to spend time as a family until Ryan goes to bed at 8:00pm. Then it is time with Lisa until 9:00pm. The plan is for me to study for an hour or two after Lisa goes to bed, but I have to admit that hasn’t really happened yet. With my first test coming up on September 14, however, it will need to start.
I am still enjoying my calling as the first counselor in the Young Mens Presidency. I have a good group of boys and I love to work with them. As a presidency we were also recently blessed to get some new advisors for each of the quorums. Both the Bishop and the Stake President view the youth program as so important that they authorized the dismantling of other presidencies to provide us with the best advisors available. My advisor is Brian Breinholt and he is such a great help and example to me. He is doing a fantastic job. It is also fun for me now that Lisa is with the Young Women because we get to go to activities together. The entire Young Mens group are going camping this weekend. That will be fun and a great opportunity to build unity in the group and improve our relationship with them.
This past weekend, we decided to go camping over the long Labor day weekend so we mapped out some plans at Shenandoah National Park. Lisa picked me up from school at 1:00 and we headed out. We found a great camping spot in the park and had a great evening. Ryan was ecstatic to be living outside again with a never ending supply of rocks and sticks. Saturday we visited some of the major attractions in the area including Luray Caverns. This is an underground cave which puts Timpanogas Cave to shame. The tour covered a mile of walking and showed off some splendid caverns filled with incredible natural attractions. Our favorites were the Wishing Well and the Stalacpipe Organ. We also visited the “Natural Chimneys” which are tall and skinny rock outcroppings which were shoved straight out of the ground millions of years ago. We also spent lots of time at some awesome Christmas stores and some antique stores that Lisa really enjoyed. By the time we got back to our camp, it began raining quite hard. I set up our tarp over our eating area and we enjoyed some great steak and fresh fruit for dinner. The rain just kept getting harder so Lisa tried to maintain Ryan in the tent while I shifted the tarp over the tent for extra protection. We then spent a long night in the tent with the driving rain and wind doing all it could to get us wet. Ryan slept well, but Lisa and I were constantly woken up by the ferocity of the storm. This morning, we got out of the tent with the weather continuing to go downhill and none of our neighbors remaining. They had all given up sometime during the night. We unfortunately thought it best to do the same so we packed up and came home a day early. Despite the conditions, it was a great weekend, especially to have such quantity of time to spend as a family.
Camping in Shenandoah National Park
Labor Day Weekend we went camping in Shenandoah National Park. It was beautiful. It was our first camping trip with just our little family. Ryan loves to be outdoors. He was so excited to be living outside again with a never ending supply of rocks and sticks. We set up camp and made hamburgers, and played games. The next day we visited some of the major attractions in the area including Luray Caverns. It’s an underground cave better than Timpanogas Cave. It was amazing. We loved the Mirror Lake and Stalacpipe Organ. We also visited the “Natural Chimneys” which are tall and skinny rock outcroppings which were shoved straight out of the ground millions of years ago. We also spent lots of time at some awesome Christmas stores and some antique stores which I loved. By the time we got back to our camp, it began raining quite hard. We set up our tarp and huddled under it eating our Steak and fresh fruit for dinner. The rain just kept getting harder so I tried to maintain Ryan in the tent while Chris shifted the tarp over the tent. We then spent a long night in the tent with the driving rain and wind doing all it could to get us wet. Chris, Ryan and I were constantly woken up by wind blowing and tarps flapping. Sunday morning, we got out of the tent with the weather continuing to go downhill and none of our neighbors remaining. They had all given up sometime during the night. We figured we’d better do the same. Despite the conditions, it was a great weekend, especially to have so much time to spend with Chris.
Lisa Teaching Preschool
It seems like I've been SO busy lately. A lot has happened in the last month. Where do I start? I got a new part-time job. I’m a preschool teacher. I’m teaching a two year old class on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 12:00 at a nearby preschool for kids aged 2-4. I have a parent orientation meeting on Tuesday night and then my first day is Thursday. I’m excited (and kind of nervous)... I know it will be a lot different from teaching 8 year olds... but I think it will be fun! Ryan will be right next door in a little toddler daycare room. It’s a huge room full of toys and he will absolutely love it. I think it will be a nice way to earn some extra money without being away from Ryan too much. I’m making $14.00 an hour so about $400 a month. I’m excited to go through my teaching stuff and make cute bulletin boards again but I don’t want to spend too much time there. It’s taken quite a bit of time to get organized but I think it’ll be easier soon.
My preschool on Thursday went quite well. I almost had more parents in there than kids. They all wanted to see how their child did on their first day of school. Cameras were flashing everywhere. It was cute. We sang songs and talked about the color RED. Not for long though, because the kids were so interested in all the TOYS. We did an art project with red circles and red glitter. The kids thought it was fun but the parents were even more excited about it. We played inside, played outside, ate snacks, played with play dough, and by the time everyone was gone I was thoroughly exhausted. WOW. The kids were so cute when they were going home. They all gave me hugs and kisses goodbye. Ryan was really good in the toddler playgroup. He was, however, very excited to see me at the end. Trying to get things ready for next class was hard because Ryan was busy playing with all the toys and making a big mess. Hopefully I will become more organized and put my parents to work more.
Young Mens Campout
Friday night Chris went on a campout (in a cabin) with the Young Men. He said they were worried about getting the boys to bed at a decent hour. I guess the boys were in bed by 12:30 but Chris and Doug White, John Bruun and Brian Breinholt stayed up till 3:30 talking. Chris had a great time.
Party for Wives of the Camping Boys
Meanwhile, I went to a wife party at Missy’s for all the wives whose husbands were gone camping. We had a big potluck spaghetti dinner and watched our kids play and talked. I got home at 9:30 but stayed up pasteling until 12:00. Saturday I did a scrapbook display for an hour with Geneva... she's teaching a decorative wrapping paper class... I got her signed up to do it. (I could have done it but I figured she was the one who taught me so I'd let her have it.) Then I raced around cleaning my house for a couple hours until 7:00 when Geneva and Jared came over for dinner and games.
Beehives and Preschool
Sunday I taught my beehives a lesson about chastity. It went very well, I though. I also had a YW presidency meeting etc. and then prepared my lesson for next week: Marriage Decisions. I'm using several of Amy's handouts. (Thanks Amy) I think it will be fun.
Since last week I was extremely busy with the preschool and stuff, my house wasn't looking very clean. Monday I spend the entire day straightening everything, doing laundry and typing a bunch of stuff to get ready for a teacher planning meeting and Tuesday night Beehives. Tuesday's preschool went even better. (There was only one screaming kid this time, and only two kids pushing each other.)
All About Ryan at 15 months
Ryan is learning new things everyday. He's so cute. Yesterday I took him to the park for a while and he saw a doggie. I said, " Ryan, it's a doggie... ruff, ruff." And pretty soon he was walking around the playground saying, "Ruff, ruff, ruff." Now we can say "Ryan, what does a doggie say?" and he'll answer. Daddy was so excited when we showed him last night. He now knows where his shoes are, and his eyes. And he's saying 'All gone' and baby all the time. I just bought him cute ABC flashcards that have pictures of things. He likes to look at them.
Craft Night with the Girls
I’ve been getting together with some friends on Wednesday Nights from 8:45 to midnight to paint crafts. It sounds like a silly time... but all of our kids are in bed and WE LOVE IT! The thing I did last week turned out really cute! A little ghost, pumpkin and black cat... layered and stained. Last night I worked on Countdown to Christmas santa’s and snowmen. We’ll see how they turn out.
2nd year of Medical School
Chris is enjoying this new year, especially because it’s his last year of book study. Next year he’ll be in the hospital and he’s really excited for that. His main classes are Microbiology (study of microorganisms), Pathology (study of disease), Clinical Concepts (application of the book study to the clinic), Clinical Medicine (physical examination), and Ethics. He’s learning about how the body breaks and how to fix it.
Hanging out with Chuggs and Whites… not sure where.
Our New Schedule
Chris and I are trying a new schedule this year. I get up with Chris and we eat breakfast and read scriptures together. Actually, I usually don’t eat breakfast that early or else I’d have to eat it again with Ryan. It is nice to get a lot done before Ryan wakes up. I do need my sleep though. I’m trying to go to bed at 9:00 but that doesn’t usually work so sometimes after Chris leaves again I sleep for another half hour or hour. I’m trying to be better though. Chris gets home at 4:30 now and spends his time with the family until Ryan goes to bed at 8:30. He’s trying to study from 9:00 to 11:00 consistently but it’s too tempting to go to bed when I do.
Hurricane Floyd
Well, we're in the thick of Hurricane Floyd. (Who picks the names for Hurricane's anyway?) All the schools are cancelled for the day and all we hear on every channel all day long is the weather report. It looks like your average rainy day to me. It has been pretty windy though. Supposedly the hurricane will come through between 12:00 and 6:00. It's heading mostly for the coast so it shouldn't be a big deal for us. Anyway... my preschool was cancelled because all the other school districts are closed so I'm relaxing at home. It's a good thing too because Ryan is getting over a fever. He’s had it all day... the poor kid. He’s so mellow and cuddly.
Chris and the Young Men
Funny story: On Tuesday night Chris brought his YM over here to play games. I was over at the church teaching the Beehives how to pastel. Anyway... some of Chris' young men were whispering and Chris made them tell him what they were saying... they said, NO WAY.. we're not telling...you'll kick us our of your house... blah, blah, blah... Chris told them they couldn't have ice cream unless they told. They still declined. Finally Chris started dishing some up for himself. They were totally embarrassed but finally said...." ok, we'll tell... we think you're wife's a hottie." They thought Chris was going to get mad at them or something (like in high school when you don't say you think another guys girlfriend is cute.) Anyway Chris said, "I know." Then, all of a sudden, they said, "You're not going to tell her are you?" and he said, "Ya, I tell her everything." Needless to say, they were dying. I couldn't stop laughing. Yea! 14 year old boys think I'm cute. It's quite flattering actually. Well that’s all for now.
We are in Love
Last week was a very busy but FUN week. I keep thinking... I LOVE MY LIFE. It's a good thing when you're happy with your life. Wouldn't it be depressing if you were constantly depressed? OK, anyway... I love my sweet husband... two of my friends, Terri Breinholt and Lisa Curran, told me "Lisa, we just think that you and Chris are just the perfect little couple, every time we look at you, you just look so in love!" They think Chris is rad because he gets excited for me to go to my girl parties. He knows it makes me happy so he likes it.
A Typical Week in the Life
Monday Night Chris had to study a ton and had a soccer game so I didn't see him much. I took Ryan to the mall and we shopped.
Tuesday I taught preschool and then Ryan and I went Old Navy Shopping. There was a sale so I couldn't resist buying some cute stuff. Then I went on over to the Police Station to get fingerprinted. (I have to do it for my preschool job.) It usually costs $5 but the guy just let us do it for free. I guess he thought we were cute. (Now I have to spend $42.00 to send my prints into the FBI to get them 'all checked out'. oh well.) Tuesday night I had Young Womens. We stenciled the YW logo torch onto cute beige bags for our YW/personal progress bags. They turned out really cute. I stenciled my name "LISA" underneath the torch with my scrapbook lettering template. It's cute.
Wednesday Night I had my FHE packets group from 8:00 till midnight. We exchanged lessons and then pasteled and talked forever. It's SO fun. Missy, Terri, Lisa, Keri and Shannon were there. I introduced pasteling to them when we first started this group. Now... there are seven of us who pastel!! It's the IN thing to do I guess. Some of them are way good... but they still look to me for the official how-to!
Thursday I taught preschool again and FINALLY had a free night with Chris. When he got home at 4:30 Ryan and I kidnapped him. We already had lunch in a basket in the trunk with cameras, blanket etc. We took him to a fun lake with LOTS of ducks. We brought bread and fed the ducks. Ryan loved it. Then we ate dinner on our blanket and went for a walk afterwards. It was so fun. Then we watched FRIENDS and ate ice cream.
Friday I had a dentist check-up. I'm thinking about getting my wisdom teeth pulled and also getting braces. We'll see. Anyway Geneva took care of Ryan and they we had lunch together after. We are such good friends. Friday night Chris had a video party with his 14 year olds. He sure enjoys those boys. Chris says they always bring me up now. Chris said, “Well, boys we’d better get home so I can get my beauty sleep.” And Scott said... ‘with your BEAUTY.” Hee hee Meanwhile I went to a MARY KAY party with some friends. Amy Carlson’s a Mary Kay Consultant now. When I got home I put Ryan to bed and pasteled till midnight. I'm really on a pasteling kick right now. It's mainly because I'm getting caught up. I'm excited to be all caught up so that I can work on my scrapbooks. I'm way behind there.
Saturday was busy as well. Chris and I slept in and then went and did errands together. We bought slurpees and then came home and played PHASE 10 while Chris watched a Golf Tournament on TV. Then he studied while I cleaned. I spent most of the afternoon making invitations to YW in Excellence. I made cute scrapbooky invitations that took me too long but they were cute. Saturday night I was at the Relief Society thing. We had a dinner before which was SO yummy and then watched it. Geneva, Missy, Terri and I went together. Then after Geneva and I went to meet our husbands at a BYU football game party where we watched them lose until 1:00am.
Sunday was a typical relaxing day. My beehive class went really well. I think it's a really fun calling. We read a bunch of articles from the Ensign together. It’s fun to spend time together talking about raising children, planning for the future, buying furniture etc. We just love dreaming. I love it when we are in harmony with each other.
Letter from Chris - September 26, 1999
I have now been back at school for over a month. The month definitely had its ups and downs. The 2 huge courses we spend most of our time in are Pathology and Microbiology. We have had a test in each course and the word “consistent” cannot be used to describe my performance. In Microbiology I scored the high with a 96%. But in Pathology I only got 60%. This is the second time in Medical School that I have been below the average on a test and this one has really forced me to reanalyze how I am going to prepare for tests this year. Looking back I certainly deserve the grade I got. The 5 evenings before the test were important nights to try and stuff all the necessary information into my little head, but I made choices that limited my studying. Thursday night = BYU game. Friday night = impromptu party at our friends until late. Saturday day = basketball, playing with Ryan, soccer game. Saturday night = party at other friends house until really late. Sunday = no study day. Monday night = indoor soccer game. The problem with Pathology is the incredible amount of material they expect us to know in such minute details. I felt like I had learned most of the information for the test, but obviously they are expecting us to learn it at a deeper level than I did. So I am starting to utilize my free time after Ryan goes to bed and Lisa time is over. Despite it’s difficulty, I am enjoying these classes immensely because we are really learning medicine. I cannot believe how much I have learned in just this one month. (and unfortunately how much I didn’t learn as well)
Yesterday I played in the championship game of an LDS multi-stake summer soccer league. The league is quite amazing. We were the only team that didn’t have official jerseys and we were also the only team that had more than 2 or 3 caucasians. All of the other teams are predominantly latino in composition. Despite that, we played well and made it to the championship game. In fact, we won every game I played in until the championship game. They scored a goal with about 3 minutes remaining to tie the score at 2 and then we went immediately to penalty kicks to determine the champion. Myself and another guy scored our shots, but 2 of our teammates missed so it was decided even without our 5th man shooting. It was great fun, though, especially to perform so well as the scrubs who just threw a team together at the last minute back in June. I am also playing in a very competitive mens division indoor soccer league with classmates. We have a very good team so it is really fun. We also just had our basketball league meeting last week, so that season will be starting up in a couple weeks.
Church is great. I love my calling so much. Working with the youth and particularly the teachers quorum is a great blessing and challenge for me. I have a great group of boys who are fun to be with and we are having a lot of success getting our inactives out lately so things are happening. We recently had an overnighter at a cabin, a couple good service projects, a movie party (The Princess Bride), and some good scouting activities. The boys participate well in my lessons on Sunday and seem to be making good decisions in their lives. They really are a wonderful group. I also love working with the other members of the Young Men’s Presidency and our other advisors. We are really good friends, and they are neat guys who I look up to a lot. At the overnighter, we were concerned that the boys would keep us up all night, but they were all settled down and sleeping by 12:30am. However, 4 of us leaders stayed up talking until past 3:30am. It was crazy but so fun. The Bishop and the Stake President feel very concerned about the youth and have made that their priority to put the very best leadership available into these programs. I don’t know if I belong when I look around at the giants who serve with me, but I am grateful to be part of such a great program of leaders and youth. Lisa is also doing a wonderful job with her new calling to teach the beehives on Sunday. The girls and other leaders just love her.
Ryan is such a wonderful little boy. We continue to get compliments about him everywhere we go. His vocabulary is expanding at an incredible rate as is his knowledge of anatomy. Whenever asked, he is quick to point our his hair, head, eyes, ears, tongue, belly button, shoes, toes, etc. His favorite words are “all done”, “ruff ruff” whenever he sees a doggy, baby, ball, and ba “nana”. He is constantly talking his own language to us as well and of course he expects that we understand everything. It is so cute with his facial expressions and other actions he includes. We think he is just so adorable. Well, most of the time. He is not so cute when we discover him standing on the kitchen table, or taking the safety plugs out of the outlets (of course, he always puts them right back in), or when he runs as fast as he can away from us when we say “Come here Ryan” and move toward him. Everything turns into a game with him. He got an ear infection a week ago and it was so sad to see him not feeling well. He just wanted to cuddle all the time, didn’t want to eat, and woke up at night after we put him down. He was not our normal active all the time, eat, anything, perfect behavior little boy. We got some amoxicillin for him and he quickly returned to normal. After the first day of recovery, he always pointed to his medicine and sucked it down like candy when we gave it to him. He really is such a good boy and we love him so much.
Lisa is adjusting to her new schedule now that she is teaching preschool on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Ryan loves to be there with new toys and lots of kids, and Lisa is doing a great job with her class. She tells me funny stories. She has also been quite busy with Craft Night on Wednesday nights from 9pm to midnight, Family Home Evening packets with her friends, and plenty of other girls only activities. They get together at least once or twice a week to do their thing. I love that she has such good friends with common interests to give her activities besides taking care of Ryan and I. She works so hard at taking care of us that she deserves her fun activities. Besides, it gives Ryan and I some quality time without Mom. Lisa is also teaching more scrapbooking classes at Michaels, so she has been quite busy.
Well, life is great.
Chris, Lisa and Ryan